A birthday cake and card signed by the First Sea Lord was then delivered to Mr Allingham at the dockside by fast-raiding craft of the Royal Marines.

Aboard the HMS President, Rear Admiral Simon Charlier, the head of the Fleet Air Arm, led a champagne toast to Mr Allingham followed by a rendition of “Happy Birthday”.

Before cutting his cake, Mr Allingham said: “You are all so kind to me, I wish you all well.”

When asked the secret of his long life, he replied: “I don’t know, but I would say be as good as you possibly can.”

Paying tribute to him, Admiral Charlier said: “It is an absolute privilege to host this event. This year is the centenary of naval aviation and yet Henry goes back way before that.”

Mr Allingham has five grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, 14 great-great grandchildren and one great-great-great grandchild. He joined the Royal Naval Air Service in September 1915 before transferring to the RAF in April 1918 and is the sole survivor of the Battle of Jutland.